That year, the 32-year-old, who is popularly known as Chef Dave, also founded the D’Vegan Academy, aimed at empowering home-based cooks to master basic techniques and plant-based cooking.
For his efforts, Dave was recently named Asia’s Best Vegan Chef with Creative Influence at the Asia Awards 2023 held in Tamil Nadu, India. And he would be the first to tell you that this recognition caught him off-guard!
“I had a few doubts when they first approached me – my first thought was, what if this was a scam?” he shared with a laugh. “But I later learnt it was legit, so I was pleasantly surprised to be nominated.”
The Asia Awards are given out by the World Research Congress annually to honour businesses in the region that demonstrate commitment towards excellence.
Speaking with FMT Lifestyle from India, Dave said he had to go through a series of interviews to qualify for the award after the nomination stage.
“I went with an open heart, with no expectations. Just take it as an experience. But I also wanted to give my best,” said the Sibu, Sarawak-born lad who grew up in Johor.
“I’m grateful that an international organisation recognised all the work I’ve been doing in Malaysia, and I’m happy and excited to have received this.”
It was, he added, especially touching for him to have received the award in Tamil Naidu, where his ancestors were from. He dedicated his win to them.
Dave’s vegan journey began in 2019 after he came across a video on social media exposing cruel practices in the egg and dairy industries. What he witnessed turned him off meat for good.
The chef, who has 10 years of culinary experience with companies such as Shangri-La Hotels and the Disney Cruise line, started his own YouTube channel to chronicle his vegan journey.
Today, said channel hosts close to 650 videos, in Malay and English, of recipes for plant-based versions of Malaysian and Asian delicacies, ranging from mee goreng to lepat pisang. Check out the video below to whip up a vegan rendang bihun perfect for a Christmas potluck!
2023, he said, has has been a very busy year: he has represented Malaysia in various conferences, and collaborated with vegan movements, NGOs and other organisations all around the world.
He also has his hands full with “Project 365”, a commitment to post a recipe online every day for a year, on top of managing his Tamil channel. He also hopes to produce content in Mandarin someday!
Looking to 2024, Dave intends to take a slight breather in what he hopes will be a “year of reflection”. But he’s not going to rest on his laurels – the enterprising chef already has plans for a video series aimed at creating more awareness on veganism, “to break down walls between vegans and non-vegans”.
Dave believes people worldwide are increasingly discovering the benefits of plant-based diets, and he is pleased to play a part in promoting them.
“I’m very grateful to be able to do something I love. I’ve always felt very strongly about social-justice movements such as animal rights, and being able to work towards a cause I am passionate about is really a blessing,” he concluded.
Check out Chef Dave Vegan Journey on YouTube. Also follow him on Facebook and Instagram, and learn more about D’Vegan Academy here.